Grade 7/8 Welcome Back to Band!

DEAR PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND BAND MEMBERS,

Welcome back to Band in the Martin Area Elementary Band Program!  We are very anxious to get started and look forward to developing a very balanced band with high enrollment! Below, please find information essential to an enjoyable beginning and a rewarding year!

CONTACTING THE TEACHERS

The names of the three band teachers in our area are Mrs. Vanessa Strykiwsky, Mrs. Robin Swann, and Ms. Lindsay Stetner.  We travel between several different schools so communicating with one of us can sometimes be a challenge.  The best way to reach us is through email:

Vanessa Strykiwsky                          Robin Swann                         Lindsay Stetner

vanessa.strykiwsky@rbe.sk.ca       robin.swann@rbe.sk.ca       lindsay.stetner@rbe.sk.ca

WHEN DO WE GET STARTED?

FULL BAND :

Grade 7/8 full band is held at Martin Collegiate.  Students will be transported by bus to Martin shortly before 2pm and will be brought back to school shortly after 3pm.  We will be rehearsing in the auditorium at Martin Collegiate.  This is every Day 2 on the elementary calendar.

First full band rehearsal: September 19

SECTIONALS: 

Walker – Day 1 afternoons starting September 11

McLurg – Day 3 mornings starting September 13

Rosemont – Day 4 mornings starting September 14

Seven Stones – Day 4 afternoons starting September 14

WHAT DO WE BRING TO BAND?

1. YOUR INSTRUMENT!!!  Any school-owned instruments will be handed out at the first band rehearsal or sooner.  Check to make sure you have the necessary supplies, such as valve oil, reeds, etc.
2. YOUR MUSIC – Please be prepared with music at EVERY rehearsal!
3. YOUR BOOK – Please bring your Standard of Excellence Red Book.
4. A music folder will be provided for you.  You may also want to use a black binder to keep music organized and in its place.
5. A PENCIL to every rehearsal! You never know when that reward will be handed out!!                  

PRACTICE

Yes you need to practice!  This will ensure that progress is consistently being made and that students will continue to feel motivated.  It is much more beneficial to practice several times a week for a shorter amount of time than once a week all at once!                                                   

PERFORMANCES

Once again, we are looking forward to our Winter band concert in December, Optimist Band Festival in March, our spring concert in May, as well as a year-end trip which is also in May.  Information regarding all performances, concerts, festivals, trips, etc. during the school year will always be sent home well in advance of the event.

We always need chaperones for events away from school such as Optimist and our year end trip.  Those especially needed are parents with first aid knowledge/nurses, etc.  As well, anyone chaperoning will need to have a Police Information Check prior to our event.  Please allow up to four weeks for this process.

We are looking forward to an exciting and successful 2017-2018 band year.  Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback.  Thank you for your support and your involvement in our Band Program!!

Sincerely,

Vanessa Strykiwsky, Robin Swann, & Lindsay Stetner

Martin Band Team